McKenzie Hochhalter's Art Projects

  Description: This was a really fun project to make! For this project we created a face on a smaller sheet of paper. Once this was done, we folded the sides to create tabs to glue to the larger sheet of paper. These tabs made the paper stick up and give the 3D effect that you can see in the photo above. After the face was on we were able to add the monsters body and any extra things to them that we wanted.  Extension: For my activity I would pair this project with a halloween themed book. I would have students create one of the characters from that book and then ask them to include a dialog bubble on their piece to have their character say a quote from the story we read. 

 Description: This project used abstract art, markers, water, and tinfoil to create the art piece shown. The first thing we did was use a sharpie to draw abstract designs on a white piece of paper. Then we used markers to color a pattern on a piece on tinfoil. Once we were done with the the tinfoil got sprayed with water and we were able to transfer the color onto our design. Since it was sprayed with water, the color spread creating a tie-dye effect which was super cool! We then framed the two designs we made on a sheet of paper.  Extension: For this project I would put a group of sight words into a hat and have each student randomly select on. Once they have their word picked out they would be instructed to hide each individual letter of the word in their abstract art piece. Students would need to keep their word a secret and once everyone is done the teacher would mix up and hand out each art piece to the students. The students would then have to find the letters in the piece and fi

  Description: This project uses optical illusion art to make our name stand out against the background. We first drew our names in bubble letters and then created a grid over our names. Then we chose complimentary colors (blue and orange) and began coloring. The trip to this project was to not let the same color touch at any point. Each box and portion of the letters had to be colored a different color without touching on any side. I chose to mark off what color I was going to use in each box before I actually colored it to make it a little bit easier. This method worked well for me, but it was still tricky to figure out how to keep the same colors from toughing each other.  Extension: As an extension of this activity, I would use the project to teach a math lesson. Students would be able to choose any appropriate word they wanted for a second art piece. With this piece they would have to use a ruler to measure out the boxes and make them all the same size across the entire paper. 

  Description: This is the project we created for our craft portion of the lessons. We started by sketching some patterns we wanted to use for our wall hanging. Once we decided on the patterns we wanted, we drew the patterns on the sticks. Next, we added the yarn tassels on the bottom stick and finished off the project by tying each stick together with a separate piece of yarn. This project was a lot of fun once you got the hang of the tying.  Extension: I think a really fun extension of this project would be to include motivational words or phrases to the sticks. These could then be used as either classroom decor or for the students to hang in their lockers. This would be a super unique way to customize a classroom and make the students feel more welcome and like they belong there. 

Description: This project used a printmaking technique using a foam sheet and markers. The first step for this project was thinking and drawing out a symbol that represented ourself. I chose an apple on top of books to symbolize me becoming a teacher. Once the design was drawn onto a piece of thin paper, we used a pencil to transfer the symbol onto the foam piece by tracing over it with a pencil. After the symbol was traced onto the foam piece, we used markers and colored over the design to prepare for printing it. The next step was to get watercolor paper wet and to roll the foam onto the paper, which transferred the color and left the design uncolored. This project was a lot of fun because it used materials I have never worked with before.  Extension: For an extension activity of this project, I would have students create thank you cards. An example would be if the fire fighters came in to speak with the class about fire safety. The students could use the foam and design the outside

Description: This project was very fun to create! We started by brainstorming animals that could be created by using our handprints. I decided on a peacock for my animal. Once this was chosen, we painted our hands and created the body for our animal with acrylic paint. While my animal was drying I added three features to the environment that the animal lives in using watercolors. I chose for my peacock to live on a farm so you can see I painted a barn, the grass with a tree and two small chickens by the barn. Once my animal was dry, I was able to add details to my peacock.  Extension: To add to this project, I would have students write a short story about the animal they chose. It could be a silly story, a realistic story, or a story telling the reader about the animal they chose. The art piece and the student stories would then be displayed for the class to see. 

  Description: For this project we began by drawing an animal, mine was an elephant, with a light blue colored pencil. Once this was complete, we took orange, yellow, and red crayons and made abstract designs over top of the animal to "hide" it. We then framed it on red construction paper with hints of what animal was hiding in our picture. In order to see the animal you have to use special red film glasses that we also assembled.  Extension: As an extension of this activity I would have students use the blue colored pencil to hide math fact problems. I would then have students take their special glasses and go around to solve each persons math problem to practice their math facts. 

  Description: This was a project that accompanied the book The Dot by Peter Reynolds to celebrate Dot Day. While completing this project we were able to experiment with crayons and other media that resist water. As you can see in the photo, the white lines and hearts were left by using a white crayon before coloring or painting over top. Once I was done making the design with the white crayon, I colored the coffee filter with water based markers. To create the water color look, I used a paint brush and ran over the entire thing with water. This was a fun way to explore how different media affect one another.  Extension: I would use sight words to form an extension activity from this project. I would use a white crayon and write sight words on a sheet of paper. Then I would give students water colors to paint over the area of each word to reveal the sight word. I would then have them practice writing the word and create a sentence with it.  

 Description: This project was to create an art piece based off of Van Gogh's famous Starry Night painting. We began by glueing tissue paper to a piece of construction paper to create the background for the piece. Once this was complete, I drew the silhouette of a farm and glued this onto the background. To complete the project I used a silver sharpie to add the element of lines to the silhouette and background of the piece.  Extension Activity: For an extension activity for this project, I would have students create the silhouette's of famous architecture and landscapes around the world. Examples of this would be the Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty, or the Great Pyramids. I would then have students write a short paragraph giving facts about the landscape they chose.